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Harrison's double move in rundown stands after review

7/27/14: The Rockies challenge Josh Harrison stealing second safely and after review, the call stands in the 6th inning

By Cody Ulm
/
MLB.com |

DENVER -- Catching Josh Harrison in a rundown is easier said than done, as the Pirates outfielder proved once again on Sunday.

After making the Mets look foolish exactly one month ago, Harrison found himself in a sticky situation again in the sixth inning of the Pirates 7-5 win over the Rockies.

Harrison snuck in at second on a steal attempt, dodging Josh Rutledge's tag attempt before sliding past the base. But with the Rockies shortstop now blocking his path back to the bag, Harrison could only think "here we go again."

"As I got off [the base] I was like, it's easier for me to just try to make something happen as opposed to trying to reach back to second," Harrison said. "And something happened."

Harrison began with a jog before kicking it up a notch on Rutledge's throw to Nolan Arenado. The Rockies seemed to have Harrison corralled but never closed the gap as Harrison was the only one involved in the play who had the slightest clue to what was happening.

"There was never really a sense of urgency," Harrison said. "I think they all were kind of looking around like, 'What happened?'"

And after a few lobs back and forth, Harrison saw his opportunity and took it.

Just as Wilin Rosario was receiving the ball, Harrison busted out a double move, shaking the Rockies catcher out of his shoes (metaphorically) and onto his back (literally).

"My best chance was to try get a guy who was carrying an extra 15-20 pounds of gear," Harrison said. "The move ended up working out."

Harrison was easily safe and with no one near home, the thought crossed Harrison's mind to go for his third stolen base if he hadn't just exerted so much energy with his fancy footwork.

"I took a step and I saw Arenado," Harrison said. "I probably could have beat him in a foot race but I was a little bit out of gas so I said you know what, I'll stay at third. With no outs, I [didn't] want to press my luck."

That didn't stop Rockies manager Walt Weiss from trying his luck by challenging the initial tag attempt at second. Three minutes and 40 seconds later, the replay review ruled that the initial call would stand, and that Rutledge's glove only made contact with Harrison when he was clearly touching second base.